I first encountered death when I was a freshman in high school.

Shortly after Christmas break we were informed that one of our classmates had died in a car accident on her way to school.

My stomach dropped as my 14-year-old mind tried to understand. Just a few weeks ago, my classmate had been encouraging and laughing with people. Now, at 16 years old, she was gone. She died believing in Christ as a risen Savior. She died trusting in the power of Christ over death.

Fortunately, for Christians, death is not the end.

I know I will see my friend again in heaven. If I accept Jesus as my Savior and give my life to Him, I also know that I need not be afraid of death. God holds my life. He directs when my time here on earth ends.

Our school mourned her passing for weeks. We remembered her cheerful attitude and hardworking spirit. We sang the songs that she loved and recited her favorite stories. And finally, we read Bible promises like today’s verse that reminded us death is swallowed up in Christ.

Let this Easter remind you that Jesus defeated death. He died the final death for all of us.